Rev. Scott W. Niemeyer

"Your Day...Your Way" ... serving central Minnesota

FAQ

WHAT OFFICIANT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? Interfaith ceremony, Non-religious Ceremony

WHAT RELIGIOUS AFFILIATIONS DO YOU SERVE? Christian (no denomination)

ARE YOU WILLING TO PERFORM A CEREMONY AT A NON-RELIGIOUS SITE? Absolutely

WHAT IS YOUR ATTIRE FOR THE CEREMONY? I generally wear a dark suit with tie.

ARE YOU FLEXIBLE ABOUT THE WORDING USED DURING THE CEREMONY, INCLUDING THE VOWS? Absolutely. The ceremony belongs to the bride & groom. I will not dictate how they do it.

DO YOU ALLOW THE COUPLE TO WRITE THEIR OWN VOWS? Yes, if they choose, or I can provide pre-written vows if that is preferred.

DO YOU HAVE A LIST OF READINGS PRE-SELECTED FROM WHICH THE COUPLE MUST CHOOSE? No. It is the couple's choice.

HOW LONG ARE YOUR CEREMONIES? That depends on what the couple wants. A service can be performed as quickly as approximately ten minutes, or, if music or personal readings are added by the couple, it can last much longer.

DO YOU REQUIRE PRE-MARITAL COUNSELING BE DONE? No

ARE YOU WILLING TO PERFORM PRE-CEREMONY REHEARSALS? Yes, but I would require additional fee for the travel expenses.

DO YOU SUPPLY A SOUND-SYSTEM? No

WHAT ARE YOUR CREDENTIALS? I am an ordained non-denominational minister. I am authorized to perform wedding ceremonies in Minnesota and all other states in the U.S. that recognize ordained clergy as officiants. My credentials are on file at the Aitkin County, MN Court Administrator's Office (per MN law).

DO WE NEED A LICENSE TO BE MARRIED? Yes. The State of Minnesota requires all couples desiring to legally marry to obtain a "Marriage License" from the County Clerk's Office located in the county in which you reside. You may be married anywhere within the State with your marriage license. After the wedding service is performed, I will fill out the marriage license and return it to the County Clerk’s Office for filing. You must provide me with the marriage license and valid photo ID’s prior to the wedding service.

DO YOU REQUIRE A REHEARSAL? Generally not for smaller intimate or medium size weddings with small wedding parties. However, I would recommend a wedding rehearsal if you and members of your wedding party will be doing anything unusual during the service or if your party members will be marching down an aisle and they do not know what to do, where to stand, etc. You may have a rehearsal with the attendants and family without the Officiant and go over where they will stand and how you want them to take part in the service. If I do not attend the rehearsal, I will arrive early on the day of the wedding to go over with you what you worked out at the wedding rehearsal. If you wish, I will make myself available for rehearsal for an additional fee (please see cost above).

WHAT TIME WILL YOU ARRIVE AT OUR CEREMONY? I will arrive approximately 30 minutes prior to the start of your ceremony &/or rehearsal.

WILL YOU BE PRESENT FOR OUR RECEPTION AFTER THE CEREMONY? I generally do not attend receptions, however, if the couple feels strongly about my staying, I may.

ARE WE REQUIRED TO HAVE WITNESSES PRESENT? Yes. The law requires you have two competent adult witnesses at your wedding. Your witnesses can be family members, friends, neighbors or any available competent adult.

DO YOU PERFORM FAST OR SHORT-NOTICE CEREMONIES? Yes. I will perform short-notice or "spur of the moment" ceremonies. Please keep in mind you must abide by the same requirements of a regular wedding by having an official marriage license by the State of Minnesota, and two witnesses. All wedding fees and donations should be taken care of before the ceremony when we are filling out the marriage license.